“If we thought of numbers we’d have never made Baahubali”- Rana Dagubatti

Dark was never so desirous. Rana Dagubatti is overwhelmed by the insane love he’s received for his act in Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. We catch up with the hottest baddie in town for a quick tete-a-tete…

The response shown by the audiences to Baahubali 2: The Conclusion has been unprecedented…

It’s been great. So far the film has exceeded all expectations. The film’s merit has taken it forward. We’re overwhelmed with the response the film has received all over the country and the world.

It got a humongous opening on its first day breaking all records. Did you foresee this?

If we thought of numbers we’d have never made this film. That was not how we operated. When the producers, director and actors got together it was with the vision of making the biggest Indian war drama ever. And that’s what we achieved. Remember, we come from a country which boasts of rich storytelling as found in the Amarchitra Katha, the Ramanaya and the Mahabharata.

As an actor, what has Baahubali given you?

Bahubali has given me the freedom to dream and be part of a much larger cinema.

You’ve given five years of your life - physically and emotionally - to the projects. How would you describe these years?

Each day has only been full of immense joy. This film is all about the enchantment of making great cinema. The reason why we’re into this is to create something so large, so beautiful, for the world to watch. Every day has been a memorable one.

A lot of dedication must have gone into achieving such a sculpted body. Were there days when you felt like cheating on the discipline?

Not even for a second! There were so many things that would excite me and hold me in grip. I just wanted to do the best, better than the others... You walk into that set, a palace, a kingdom… that is being built by thousands of men. You watch all the hard work; you see the scale of everything, be it the action or the drama... and you’re inspired as well. It’s at a level you can’t imagine. As an actor you’re completely blown away. Each day you’re doing something new and unique. That kept us all going.

Did you imagine that the script you read would be translated into such magnificence?

What S S Rajamouli sir narrated to us is exactly what he finally made. I was so excited when I heard the narration for the first time. Of course, it’s turned out to be greater than what I imagined.

Will it be difficult to find characters in the future that will be as epic as Bhallala Dev in Baahubali?

Each film is different. Between the two Baahubalis, I did a film called The Ghazi Attack, which did extremely well for me. It’s about finding the next character that will excite you and move forward with it.